In a major development toward resolving the decades-long inter-state water conflict, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting on the Mahanadi water dispute at Kartavya Bhawan in New Delhi.
The strategic session was attended by Union Minister of Jal Shakti C. R. Patil, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Vishnu Deo Sai, alongside senior administrative and water resource officials from both states and the Centre.
The Mahanadi is Odisha’s lifeline and a source of sustenance for crores of our people. Today, I participated in a crucial meeting in New Delhi on the sharing and management of Mahanadi waters, chaired by Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji, in the presence of Hon’ble… pic.twitter.com/DPLs51OwmG
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) October 1, 2026
Speaking to the media following the discussions, Odisha CM Majhi expressed optimism, describing the atmosphere as highly cordial and constructive. He stated that both states are steadily converging toward a final framework aimed at protecting the mutual interests of Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
A Blueprint for Inter-State Dispute Resolution
Highlighting the momentum generated under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Majhi noted that the synergy of “double-engine governments” has significantly accelerated the dispute resolution mechanism.
“We are gradually moving closer to a resolution. A final framework for this will be released very soon,” CM Majhi remarked, expressing hope that the impending pact would serve as a ‘model dispute resolution’ mechanism for other states facing similar inter-state river water conflicts.
Calling the Mahanadi the “lifeline and livelihood for crores of people of Odisha,” the Chief Minister emphasized that Odisha’s core priorities—including irrigation, flood control, hydropower generation, drinking water supply, and environmental safeguards—were firmly presented during the deliberations to ensure the state receives an adequate volume of water.
Parallel Political and Administrative Pathways
While the legal processes surrounding the dispute continue, the political and administrative avenues for settlement have gained substantial traction over the past year.
Tracing the roadmap of negotiations, CM Majhi detailed that initial bilateral discussions between the Chief Ministers of Odisha and Chhattisgarh took place in July–August 2025. This was followed by multiple rounds of inter-state meetings involving Chief Secretaries and Water Resources Secretaries.
The momentum peaked during a July 2026 summit convened under the chairmanship of the Union Jal Shakti Minister, where a provisional decision was taken to outline a resolution within a three-month timeframe. In line with that directive, both states have been sharing vital hydrological data and requirement assessments with the Central Water Commission (CWC).
With two months elapsed since the July mandate, the Chief Minister confirmed that progress has been highly satisfactory, crediting Union Home Minister Amit Shah for personally intervening to guide the negotiation process toward a permanent solution.
